Project information

Expanding the NLH’s Lobster Release Capacity

Expanding the capacity of the hatchery so we can release more lobsters into the sea each year, increasing the impact of the charity's marine conservation work. Ultimately this will help make the fishery more sustainable and safeguard the future of our fishing heritage and fragile coastal communities

Charity information: The National Lobster Hatchery

Need

More then 75% of the world’s fish stocks are either fully exploited, over exploited, depleted or recovering and there has never been as much pressure on the world’s fish stocks. Significant habitat damage has occurred in many areas and it’s clear we desperately need new approaches to managing our living marine resources The European lobster is worth a huge amount socially and economically but their high value means they are vulnerable to stock collapse as already occurred in 1960's Scandinavia.

Solution

The NLH needs to install a new ‘Aquahive’ system (a cleverly designed ‘lobster stacking’ container) which will increase the hatchery’s capacity by 100% to hold an additional 42,000 juvenile lobsters at any one time. This project will enable us to expand the capacity of the hatchery and release more lobsters into the sea each year, increasing the impact of the charity's marine conservation work and ultimately helping to make the lobster fishery more sustainable.

What success will look like

Impact

Releasing more lobsters each year will increase our contribution to the natural fisheries, ultimately helping to support the many livelihoods, related industries and coastal communities that rely on our fragile marine resources. Improving our lobster stocking techniques is a proactive step to help ensure scientific safeguards are in place should UK stocks experience collapse in the future. It will also improve the NLH's credibility as a model for marine conservation issues worldwide.

Risk

The use of the Aquahives is dependent upon consistent juvenile lobster production. The NLH has invested much into minimalizing risk and limitation through its pioneering research into optimum rearing conditions, lobster diets, systems maintenance etc. Given that the Aquahive equipment is provided by a single known supplier and we have vast experience operating it, this is a considerably low risk project. We also maintain relationships with reliable broodstock suppliers.

Reporting

The NLH issues regular newsletters to keep all donors up to date with the challenges and achievements of the charity. We will also provide detailed progress reports on the project as and when requested and an official annual report at the end of the season.

Current Funding / Pledges

Location

The NLH is situated in the fishing town of Padstow. Our work focusses on coastal areas of Cornwall, Devon and the Isles of Scilly, however its relevance extends throughout the UK to fisheries worldwide. The NLH visitor education centre attracts around 43,000 people a year and it aims to educate the public on the importance of a sustainable fishery and encourage a more responsible attitude to managing our seafood from sourcing through to consumption.

Beneficiaries

The charity’s work involves the fishing industry, scientists, the local community and the general public.Direct beneficiaries include fishermen and all within the seafood and marine related industries, as well as our coastal communities that would struggle to exist without healthy ocean resources. The NLH's visitor education centre is also contributing to the long term preservation of our coastal and fishing heritage for our future generations and recruits to the industry.

Why Us?

The NLH is the only organisation of its kind that operates a unique and innovative lobster stocking project alongside pioneering research and public education programmes. We are a very experienced, educated and passionate charity and we are supported by a hard working team of staff, volunteers and trustees. Our team ncludes leading academics, representatives from the inshore fisheries and conservation authority and members of the local community.